Heart Disease

The jury is still out, but according to research from the American Heart Association, poor oral health could increase your chances of developing heart disease. The exact way that periodontal infections are linked to heart disease are not known.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a disease that causes the bones to become less dense over time as the body loses calcium, could be at the root of tooth loss. Though more research is needed to establish a link, osteoporosis and gum disease could turn out to pack a one-two punch.

The Female Factor

About half of all Americans, no matter how healthy they are, are more likely to develop oral health problems: Women. When hormone levels are very high, women can be more sensitive to a small amount of plaque or bacteria. While a cause and effect relationship is still being studied, maternal periodontal disease has been linked with preterm delivery and low birth weight infants in small studies.

Smoking

A smile-killing 41% of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless. Smoking can also raise your chances of calculus — plaque that hardens on the teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning; deep pockets between the teeth and gums; loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth; mouth sores; and oral cancer.